Last updated August 4, 2026
The Nissan Maxima lineup starts with the S, the straightforward entry into its V6 sport-sedan formula. SV is the mainstream comfort trim, while SL adds a panoramic moonroof, Bose audio, and more cabin conveniences. SR is the sport branch, built around sharper suspension tuning, paddle shifters, and darker styling. Platinum sits at the top with richer leather, heated rear seats, a power rear sunshade, and a luxury-first cabin.
The Base Model trim level — the S — is the simplest Maxima and the entry point to its V6-powered, performance-minded sedan character.
Best for: Drivers who want the core Maxima experience without the higher trims' sport or luxury upgrades.
Highlights
The Mid-Level trim level — the SV — is the mainstream Maxima, combining its strong V6 character with leather seating and everyday comfort technology.
Best for: Shoppers who want a well-equipped daily driver without moving into the sport-focused or more luxurious trims.
Highlights
Compared with the S, the SV adds a more comfort-focused cabin centered on heated leather-appointed seats, along with built-in navigation and broader driver-assist equipment on later examples.
17 in stock
The Premium Comfort trim level — the SL — is the relaxed comfort-and-tech branch, adding richer cabin conveniences without the SR's sport tuning.
Best for: Drivers who value a quieter, more upscale daily experience over a sharper performance feel.
Highlights
Compared with the SV, the SL adds a dual-panel panoramic moonroof, Bose audio, a heated steering wheel, extra parking help, and adjustable ambient cabin lighting.
18 in stock
The Sport Styling trim level — the SR — is the driver-focused Maxima, combining sharper road manners and darker design details with premium comfort features.
Best for: Drivers who want the Maxima's sportiest personality without giving up daily comfort.
Highlights
Compared with the SL, the SR shifts the emphasis toward driving feel with a sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters, while adding heated and cooled front seats and a 360-degree camera.
23 in stock
The Top Tier trim level — the Platinum — is the luxury-focused Maxima, using richer materials and added rear-seat comfort rather than extra engine power.
Best for: Shoppers who want the most upscale Maxima cabin and more comfort for both front and rear passengers.
Highlights
Compared with the SR, the Platinum shifts from sporty trim to richer semi-aniline leather, heated rear seats, wood-tone cabin accents, and a power rear sunshade.
22 in stock| Feature | Top Tier | Mid-Level | Base Model | Sport Styling | Premium Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | Platinum22 in stock | ||||
| Front-seat treatment | Heated/cooled semi-aniline leather | Heated leather-appointed | Power-adjustable | Heated/cooled leather and Alcantara | Heated leather-appointed |
| Dual-panel panoramic moonroof | Standard | — | — | Standard | Standard |
| Bose premium audio | 11 speakers | — | — | 11 speakers | 11 speakers |
| Parking support | 360-degree camera plus sensors | Rear automatic braking | Rear sensors | 360-degree camera plus sensors | Front and rear sensors |
| Sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters | — | — | — | Standard | — |
| Distinctive cabin details | Wood-tone trim | Leather-focused comfort | Core cabin | Dark trim and Alcantara | Adjustable ambient lighting |
| Rear-seat luxury features | Heated seats and power sunshade | — | — | — | — |
It depends on the era. S sat below SV from 2009-2014 and again from 2016-2020. Nissan dropped S after 2020, making SV the starting trim for 2021-2023. Those later SV cars are well equipped rather than stripped down.
On newer examples where both trims appear, S is the simpler entry model and SV is the comfort-and-tech step up. SV adds features such as heated leather seating, built-in navigation, adaptive cruise control, and LED headlights. Exact equipment varies by year.
In the 2016-2020 lineup, SL focuses on comfort. It builds on SV with a dual-panel panoramic moonroof, Bose audio, a heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, and adjustable ambient cabin lighting.
SL is the comfort-focused choice, while SR is the sportier one. In later years when both were sold, SR adds firmer suspension tuning, paddle shifters, darker styling, heated and cooled front seats, and a 360-degree camera. SL favors a smoother luxury feel.
In recent lineups, SR adds the equipment that changes how the Maxima feels and looks: sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, darker trim, a panoramic moonroof, heated and cooled front seats, Bose audio, and a 360-degree camera.
Platinum adds luxury rather than more power. On recent models, it trades the SR's sport emphasis for richer semi-aniline leather, wood-look cabin trim, a power rear sunshade, and heated rear seats while retaining heated and cooled front seats and the 360-degree camera.
SR is the sportiest eighth-generation trim. From 2016-2023, its identity centers on firmer suspension tuning, paddle shifters, darker styling, and a more dramatic cabin. It is the trim to target if handling feel matters more than maximum luxury.
Platinum is the luxury-focused choice for 2016-2023 Maximas. In recent years it combines upgraded leather and wood-look trim with heated and cooled front seats, a panoramic moonroof, Bose audio, a rear sunshade, and extra rear-seat comfort.
No. Trim upgrades change the cabin, styling, suspension, and convenience features, not engine output. Every seventh-generation trim has the 290-hp V6, and every eighth-generation trim has the 300-hp V6.
On 2016-2020 models, SL is the comfort-oriented trim associated with the dual-panel panoramic moonroof, while SR and Platinum also feature it in later lineups. Recent SV models do not include that roof, so verify equipment on older examples.
In recent lineups, SR and Platinum have heated and cooled front seats plus a 360-degree camera. SV does not. Earlier eighth-generation equipment changed over time, so confirm both features on the individual car.
It is a special 2021 version based on the Platinum trim. That means it belongs at the luxury end of the lineup rather than serving as a separate performance model. It was offered alongside the regular SV, SR, and Platinum trims.
No. In the 2016-2020 lineup, SL includes an 11-speaker Bose system. In recent three-trim lineups, SR and Platinum have Bose audio, while SV uses the standard system. Equipment on earlier cars should be checked individually.
Platinum is the trim to look for. Heated rear seats became standard on Platinum for 2022 and remained part of the final-year luxury equipment. Earlier Platinum models may not have them, so check the model year and the individual car.